Indiana Braces for Mixed Bag of Severe Weather

Potential for tornadoes, hail, and snow in the coming days

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Indiana is set to experience a variety of severe weather conditions this week, including the possibility of tornadoes, hail, and snow. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for the potential of damaging winds, isolated tornadoes, and large hail in parts of southern Indiana on Thursday, February 19th. Meanwhile, a separate system is expected to bring heavy snow to areas in the northern part of the state over the weekend.

Why it matters

The unpredictable and potentially dangerous weather conditions pose a significant threat to public safety in Indiana. Residents will need to closely monitor weather forecasts and be prepared to take shelter if severe storms develop. The mixed bag of weather also highlights the challenges of dealing with the impacts of climate change, which can lead to more extreme and volatile weather patterns.

The details

The severe weather threat on Thursday, February 19th, is expected to develop across eastern Missouri and move northeast into southern Indiana by mid-afternoon. Southwesterly winds and surface moisture will help fuel the storms, though drier air moving in may limit the severe potential into the evening. Parts of southern Indiana are under an Enhanced Risk for severe thunderstorms, with the potential for isolated tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds. In northern Indiana, thunderstorms are also possible, with gusty winds, hail, and a possible tornado as the main threats.

  • Severe storms likely to develop across eastern Missouri late morning and move into southern Indiana by mid-afternoon on Thursday, February 19th.
  • Scattered light snow showers possible in central Indiana, particularly in northeastern counties, on Sunday, February 22nd.
  • Lake-enhanced snow showers possible over Michigan's Upper Peninsula on Friday, February 20th.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing weather-related warnings and advisories.

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What they’re saying

“Scattered strong to severe storms likely this afternoon into the evening. Primary threats (are) damaging winds (and) isolated tornadoes with afternoon storms.”

— National Weather Service office in Indianapolis

“Light rain showers mainly north of US-30 will begin to change over to snow showers by Friday evening. High temperatures over the weekend will remain in the low to mid 30s with lows in the upper 20s each morning.”

— National Weather Service office in Northern Indiana

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on the potential for severe weather and winter weather conditions in Indiana. Residents should stay tuned to local weather forecasts and be prepared to take shelter if severe storms develop.

The takeaway

The unpredictable and potentially dangerous weather conditions in Indiana this week underscore the importance of being prepared for a variety of severe weather events. Residents should closely monitor weather forecasts and heed any warnings or advisories issued by the National Weather Service to ensure their safety.